Effective communications strategies to drive results
Gray Owl Strategy leverages communications strategies to build, protect, and repair your organization's reputation. Our proven ability to organize, distill, and simplify creates clarity to drive results.
Founded in Nashville by Jenny Barker, APR, Fellow PRSA, we help brands move from friction to flow through workable systems and clear messaging.
How can we help? Get in touch.
What We Do
We provide strategic communications counsel for a wide range of situations:
Reputation Management - Preventing a tarnished reputation (or bouncing back after damage has been done)
Crisis Preparedness - Assessing vulnerabilities and creating crisis communication plans
Crisis Management - Weathering a disaster, public scandal, legal issue, etc.
Brand Building and Positioning - Crafting a compelling narrative and image to build or reposition your brand
Mergers or Acquisitions - Managing complex communication challenges related to employees, customers, and shareholders
Leadership Changes - Conveying the appointment of a new CEO or significant management shifts
Launches - Creating support for new offerings or initiatives
Market Entry or Expansion - Building a presence in the new area
Public Policy and Advocacy - Crafting persuasive messages to engage with policymakers and mobilize public support
Transformation - Fostering understanding and adoption of new systems or processes
Employee Engagement - Enhancing internal communication to boost morale, productivity, and culture
Strategic Partnerships - Evaluating, forming, and announcing strategic partnerships or alliances with other organizations
Fundraising and Stakeholder Relations - Creating persuasive campaign materials and maintaining transparent communication
How We Do It
The principles of great communication align with many of the traits of the Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa). Here are a few of the ways we strive to be like this wise creature:
Keen observation skills: This species of owl has almost supernatural hearing. Listening well allows us to better understand your audiences, their needs, and their reactions, so we can tailor our recommendations for greater impact.
Adaptability: Just as this species of owl has adapted to thrive in various environments, we are always adapting to stay on top of the latest best practices, trends, innovations and industry shifts.
Precision: Owls are known for their incredible precision. This quality can be metaphorically applied to the way we convey messages. Being able to communicate clearly and concisely can make a significant impact.
Jenny Barker, APR, Fellow PRSA
Jenny is a seasoned PR and marketing expert with over two decades of experience, specializing in serving publicly traded companies, small to mid-sized businesses, associations, and nonprofit organizations. She earned the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) in 2008, showcasing her commitment to professional excellence.
In 2023, Jenny was inducted into PRSA's prestigious College of Fellows—the highest recognition in the communications field for excellence, ethics, service, and leadership.
Jenny's career began at Atkinson Public Relations, where she worked with notable clients such as HCA, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Loews Hotels, and American Airlines. She later oversaw communications for TriStar Centennial Medical Center, HCA's flagship hospital. From 2010 to 2018, Jenny led PR, marketing, and community relations for Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, one of Marriott International's largest hotels, before returning to consulting.
A graduate of Lipscomb University, Jenny has received numerous industry and association awards and is a past recipient of the Nashville Emerging Leader Award (NELA) and the Nashville Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Awards.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jenny is deeply involved in her community. She was president of the Junior League of Nashville during its centennial celebration (2021-2022) and has served on the boards of the Oasis Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, PRSA Nashville, Junior League, and Nashville Cable. Currently, she chairs communications for the Rotary Club of Nashville, serves as treasurer of the Nashville Chapter of PRSA, and regularly volunteers with Second Harvest Food Bank.
Jenny, her husband, and their daughter reside in East Nashville. They enjoy traveling, general aviation, and hiking with their dog, Piper.
Capabilities/Expertise
Brand Marketing & Communications
Crisis Communications Preparedness & Response
Reputation Management
Corporate Reputation
Internal Communications
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)
Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG)
Executive Positioning
Financial Communications
Thought Leadership & Media Relations
Strategic Planning
Research
Industry Experience
Associations
Aerospace & Defense
Education
Engineering & Construction
Entertainment
Financial Services
Food & Beverage
Health & Wellness
Manufacturing
Nonprofit & Associations
Real Estate
Technology
Travel & Hospitality